Bang Bang Chicken

If you’re looking for a dish that’s both delicious and fun to make, let me introduce you to Bang Bang Chicken. This recipe has quickly become a favorite in our home, thanks to its crispy texture and the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table.

What makes Bang Bang Chicken special is not just its taste but also how easy it is to whip up. With tender chicken coated in crunchy panko and drizzled with a creamy sauce, it’s an experience that brings smiles all around. Plus, it’s versatile enough for any occasion, from casual dinners to festive celebrations!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Prep Time: In just 20 minutes, you can have this tasty dish ready for frying!
• Family-Friendly Flavor: Kids love the crunch and sweetness; it’s a guaranteed hit!
• Make Ahead Convenience: Prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time for an even easier meal.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level to suit your family’s taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties or gatherings; everyone will be asking for seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to make this delightful Bang Bang Chicken. You might already have many of these in your pantry! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Sauce

• 1 cup (232 g) mayonnaise
• ½ cup (132 g) Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha (or more to taste)
• 2 tablespoons honey

For the Chicken

• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken tenderloins
• 1 cup (245 g) buttermilk
• ¾ cup (94 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (64 g) cornstarch
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 2 cups (216 g) panko breadcrumbs (plain)
• Canola oil (for frying)
• Parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Variations

One of the best things about Bang Bang Chicken is how flexible it is. Feel free to get creative with these variations!

• Swap the protein: Try using shrimp or tofu for a different take on this recipe.
• Add veggies: Toss in some sliced bell peppers or zucchini for added color and nutrition.
• Make it spicy: Increase the Sriracha or add fresh jalapeños if you love heat.
• Crispy oven-baked version: Bake instead of fry by coating the chicken in oil and placing it on a baking sheet.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Start by making your bang bang sauce. In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Mix until smooth. This sauce adds creaminess and sweetness that perfectly complements the crispy chicken. Set it aside while we prepare our chicken.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In a shallow dish, pour buttermilk over the chicken tenderloins. Let them marinate for at least 10 minutes. This step ensures that your chicken stays juicy during cooking while also helping the coating stick better.

Step 3: Create Your Coating

In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, egg, Sriracha, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. The combination creates a light batter that will give your chicken that beautiful crunch once fried.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Take each marinated chicken tenderloin out of the buttermilk and dredge it in your coating mixture. Then roll it in panko breadcrumbs until fully coated. This double coating technique ensures maximum crispiness.

Step 5: Frying Time!

Heat canola oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add chicken pieces in batches without overcrowding. Fry them until golden brown and cooked through—about 6 minutes total! This step gives you those irresistible crispy bites that everyone loves.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once cooked, place the crispy chicken on paper towels to drain excess oil. Drizzle with your homemade bang bang sauce and sprinkle with chopped parsley for garnish. Serve immediately for a delightful experience!

Now you’re ready to enjoy a plate of delicious Bang Bang Chicken! It’s sure to become a beloved recipe in your home too!

Pro Tips for Making Bang Bang Chicken

Creating the perfect Bang Bang Chicken is all about technique and a few special touches. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out crispy and delicious every time!

• Use cold buttermilk: Starting with cold buttermilk helps create a lighter batter that crisps up beautifully when fried.

• Double-dip for extra crunch: For an even crunchier texture, dip the chicken in the flour mixture, then back into the buttermilk, and finally coat it with panko breadcrumbs again. This adds an extra layer of crunch that’s irresistible.

• Adjust spice levels to taste: If you love heat, feel free to add more Sriracha to both the bang bang sauce and the chicken batter. Tailoring the spice levels ensures everyone enjoys it just how they like.

• Maintain oil temperature: Using a thermometer to keep the frying oil at 350°F (175°C) will help achieve that perfect golden brown crust without overcooking the chicken inside.

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing your fried chicken to rest on a wire rack for a few minutes after cooking will keep it crispy by letting excess oil drain off.

How to Serve Bang Bang Chicken

Serving Bang Bang Chicken can be as fun as making it! With its vibrant colors and enticing flavors, this dish can be presented in various ways that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Chopped parsley: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to balance out the richness of the dish.
• Green onions: Thinly sliced green onions provide a mild onion flavor that complements the sauce beautifully.
• Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds bring a nutty flavor and an appealing crunch that enhances both texture and presentation.

Side Dishes

• Crispy Asian slaw: A refreshing mix of shredded cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers dressed with sesame oil adds crunch and balances the richness of the chicken.
• Steamed jasmine rice: Fluffy jasmine rice is perfect for soaking up any extra bang bang sauce, making each bite even more delightful.
• Roasted broccoli: Lightly seasoned roasted broccoli offers a nutritious side with its charred edges complementing the flavors of the chicken.
• Sweet potato fries: Crispy sweet potato fries provide a sweet contrast to the savory chicken while adding a fun twist to your meal.

With these serving suggestions, your Bang Bang Chicken will not only taste incredible but also look stunning on your dinner table! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Bang Bang Chicken recipe is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch and enjoy it throughout the week, making your meals both convenient and satisfying.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing.
• Place leftover chicken in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate within two hours of cooking for best results.
• Consume leftovers within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

• Let the cooked chicken cool down before freezing.
• Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label the container with the date to keep track of freshness.
• Enjoy frozen Bang Bang Chicken within three months for best flavor.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave for 1-2 minutes, but this may make the coating less crispy.
• Ensure that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) before serving.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Bang Bang Chicken!

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins for Bang Bang Chicken?

Absolutely! If you prefer, you can cut boneless skinless chicken breasts into strips to achieve a similar effect. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed since larger pieces may take longer to cook.

How spicy is Bang Bang Chicken?

The spiciness level of Bang Bang Chicken can be adjusted based on your taste preferences. The Sriracha sauce adds heat, so feel free to increase or decrease the amount according to your liking. You can even omit it entirely if you prefer a milder flavor!

What should I serve with Bang Bang Chicken?

Bang Bang Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside rice, a fresh salad, or even steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Can I make the bang bang sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the bang bang sauce a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully and save you time during meal prep!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this flavorful Bang Bang Chicken recipe! It’s perfect for gatherings or simply treating yourself during a cozy night in. With its crispy texture and delightful sauce, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share your creations with loved ones!